CLYDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2513, 14 May 1902, Page 31

CLYDE.

May s.— At a special meeting of the Vincent County Council, heldi at Clyde last Wednesday, Mr Cuthbertson, of Invercargill, was appointed engineer to the county. The position has been worthily filled by Mr M' George for some 25 years past, throughout which, time the latepayers have been faithfully served and their interests conscientiously guarded by tMs officer. So much, indeed, could not be said of each individual member of the councils that have held office during the past quarter of a century. 1 At? times- it was difficult to~ perceive where and when the ratepayers' interests became a serious concern of some councillors- who .held a term of office during that period; but it was an ever-evidtent fact that iiie always performed his duties with a studious regard to the pockets of the ratepayers. Tho courtly is no easy one to administer from an engineer's point of view, being intersected- by large rivers with treacherous currents* and uti earns and creeks that are subject to varying degrees of size and course. All those hmve had to be bridged or otherwise made fordable a 9 settlement advanced, and it is- creditable to Mr M'George, the retiring engineer, that so much, has been performed during his term of office as makes the bridge service in- Vinoent County much better than that in vogue in any inland coutfty of New Zealand. Wedding. — The marriage of Lieutenant Jack Keddell (late of the 1- Dandy Fourth "), son. of Major Keddell, S.M., Oamaru, to Ada, eldest daughter of Mr J. E. Stevens, Clyde, was solemnised by the vioar, the Rev. Mr Browne, at St. Michael's and All Angels', Clyde, on Wednesday, 30th ult. Quite a number of ladies congregated in the little church to witness the ceremony. The interior of the church was decorated for the occasion, the bride-elcet being a leading member of the choir since her girlhood. The bride was given, away by her father, the bridesmaids being her sisters, Ella and Lily, the groom being supported by Mr Jack Stevens, brother to the bride. The young couple were extended many congratulations by residents of this district, of which they are natives. Filthy Stock. — The local stock inspector had occasion to sue some settlers in the Ida Valley district for offering for sale sheep infected with lice. The cases were heard before Mr M'lnnies, S.M., a* a recent sitting of' the court at Ophir. Fines were inflicted 1 in each instance, but of email amounts only, ps the inspector did not press for exemplary penalties, he being assured that the owners of the stock weie ignoxwnt of the fact that the sheep were infected at the time of exposing them for sale. Sheep in Central Otago .are as prone to infection. a 9 those of other parts, therefore flock-owners should see to it that the inspector has- no cause for future complaint on the score of filthy sheep. Inspector M'Leod is to be congratulated upon hi 3 early discovery of lice amongst these flocks, as, by so doing, he may now insist upon preventive measure being taken to check the spreading of the filth incidental to flocks in the locality. Harvest. — The farmers here were remarkably fortunate m getting their crops harvested despite the occasionally unfavourable weather that prevailed. The oat crop has been»generally heavy, the grain being bright and well developed. I learn that the farmers of Lauder were lesß favoured by the clerk of tho weather than their brothers of the soil round here, the remit being the discolouring of much of the grain while yet in the stook.

Ti3, so it is s pooT look out for the crops stilt out. Grass has been plentiful this summer, Turnipß are a poor crop; potatoes only middy ling. School Committee Election. — This affair took place here on the usual date. The people about here appear to take very little interest in matters relating to the school This waa amply demonstrated at the late meeting, for not a single householder turned up. As 9 consequence the old committee- was re-elected — namely, Messrs R. Jounstone (chairman), J. F. Anderson (secretary), W. R. Johnstone, G. Martin, and H. Annitage. As- no more turned up at the annual meeting hut the- old committee the people must be satisfied with the way the old committee are carrying out their duties. I may here state that the present committee has been in office for a number of years, and the members get on remarkably; well together, and with- the Education Board 1 . Since my last note to you our teacher, Miss B. L. Hodges, has left us, and Miss L. Spraggon has taken her place. The latter seems to give every satisfaction as a teacher. Mining. — Although the weather has been, against the farmer, not so with the miners, for they have had a busy time this summer, there being any quantity of water for everyone. As a consequaa.ee every miner is, I hope, doing well.